Research Log #2

Mickey-Ds

Once of the first apparent voices regarding "McDonaldization" in chapter 15 is a picture (Fig. 15.2).  This figure is an example of visual rhetoric in which the artist is attempting to convey a message of Western society spanning the globe.  This simple picture lays out the basis of the argument of the issue of "McDonaldization" in today's world.  The image uses only American companies and icons to portray Western society as they link together with each logo to cross seas on the globe and surround the world with their products.  This picture has a very literal sense to it in that America's companies are literally covering the globe and impacting the world's different cultures.  In another article "A Brief History Of McDonald's Abroad" Randy James speaks of the rise and possible fall of the McDonald's empire.  Since 1948 the company has been on the up and up but because of weak economies and new negative feelings towards the fast-food chain McDonald's influence could loosing its grip on people's appetite.  This article points out that McDonald's future was once bright but is now receiving criticism for its "bad food" and how it is part of America's globalization.  In "McBastards: McDonald's and Globalization" by Paul Feine the issue of "McDonaldization" takes on a new perspective of that of a customer.  Feine's article takes on a first hand account of a part of culture condemning McDonald's or its expansion, even invasion, into other cultures. Feine's word choice in his article is a perfect example of how McDonald's has influence our society and even made a culture of its own.  Every thing from "McSpotlight" to "McBastards" is associated with the fast-food chain simply because of the "Mc-" prefix.  I think this would be a strong point Dexian Cai could add to his research assignment because explains and exemplifies how McDonalds have taken over and how it influences our speech.  I noticed a lot of the articles were talking about "McDonalization" from the view of an American or a person of Western society.  I think if Dexian Cai wanted to add a different perspective or view point for his assignment he should look into finding a source from Asian culture to see their take on this globalization.